RBC Capital Markets, National Hockey League greats of the New York Rangers & the Garden of Dreams Foundation joined forces to support Ronald McDonald House New York, raising $800,000
NEW YORK, February 21, 2020 – Hundreds of New Yorkers ice skated with New York Rangers greats to support families staying at Ronald McDonald House New York (RMH-NY) during the 26th Annual Skate with the Greats at the Lighthouse & Sky Rink at Chelsea Piers.
The event – which was sponsored by RBC Capital Markets – featured ice skating, live and silent auctions, special appearances by former New York Rangers, food and more. This year’s Skate with the Greats raised over $800,000 to support RMH-NY’s mission to provide temporary housing for pediatric cancer patients and their families in a strong, supportive and caring environment.
“As New York City’s House, we are so proud to host this fantastic event with the iconic New York Rangers,” said Ruth C. Browne, president and CEO of RMH-NY. “Skate with the Greats raises critical funds to support families who are battling cancer, and we are grateful to RBC Capital Markets, the Garden of Dreams Foundation, MSG and all who have partnered with us and joined to make this year’s event such a tremendous success.”
During the event, the Morreale family spoke about their experiences staying at the House while Julia received a heart transplant and treatment for post-transplant lymphoma, a rare form of cancer. The family stayed at RMH-NY for years at a time and relocated from Canada to the U.S. permanently in 2017 due to ongoing and intensive treatments. While the move affected the whole family, particularly Julia’s older brother, Anthony, RMH-NY ensured he was also taken care of throughout the transition. The House helped Anthony continue to pursue his passion for hockey by arranging for his participation in the New York Rangers summer camp with the Garden of Dreams Foundation. Today, Anthony has been top ranked in hockey with his high school in New Jersey and the Morreale family has been able to remain close as they fight against cancer.
“We are so fortunate and grateful that we were able to stay at Ronald McDonald House New York. This House is incredible – from the staff, to volunteers, to programs, the whole thing is amazing,” said Nadia Morreale, Julia’s mother. “At Ronald McDonald House New York, there is always someone to help whether it's a listening ear, shoulder to cry on, or a coffee run when I couldn’t leave Julia. The support we continue to receive from the staff has been incredible, and they have become like family. The House provides a safe, warm and inviting atmosphere when families have so much terrible stuff going on.”
“Being able to keep doing what I loved helped me deal with Julia’s situation and made a very difficult situation a little easier,” said Anthony Morreale, Julia’s brother. “I met great people and learned a lot from all the coaching staff. It was an opportunity of a lifetime. I am forever grateful to Ronald McDonald House New York and the New York Rangers for giving me that awesome opportunity which I will hold with me forever.”
“RBC is grateful for our longstanding partnership with Ronald McDonald House New York. Many RBC’ers in Toronto, London, Australia, Scotland, Honk Kong, and the U.S. spend their time volunteering at the House, serving dinners to families and we really get to know the kids. We are honored to sponsor Skate with the Greats for our eleventh year, helping our clients thrive and communities prosper,” said Bobby Grubert, managing director of RBC Capital Markets. “We are delighted to raise awareness and provide support for pediatric cancer patients and their families.”
New York Rangers greats in attendance included Rod Gilbert, Brian Leetch, Ron Duguay, Glenn Anderson, Nick Fotiu Adam Graves, Ed Hospodar, Tom Laidlow, Chris Kostopoulos, Stephane Matteau, Brian Mullen, Colton Orr and Steve Vickers.
The participation of the New York Rangers is made possible through a partnership with the Garden of Dreams Foundation, a non-profit organization that works with The Madison Square Garden Company and MSG Networks Inc. to positively impact the lives of children facing obstacles. For the 11th year, premier global investment bank RBC Capital Markets served as lead event sponsor. Other major event sponsors included GIII Apparel Group, Ltd., Bloomberg Philanthropies, the New York Rangers, American International Group, Inc., Mutual of America, American International Group, Inc., PwC and GNYHA Ventures, Inc.
Located on East 73rd Street in New York, RMH-NY serves families throughout all five boroughs of New York City, in addition to families across every state in the U.S. and around the world. Approximately 40% of families are international.
About Ronald McDonald House New York
Located on East 73rd Street in New York, Ronald McDonald House New York (RMH-NY) is New York City’s House. The organization provides temporary housing for pediatric cancer patients and their families in a strong, supportive and caring environment that encourages and nurtures the development of child-to-child and parent-to-parent support systems. RMH-NY has served more than 59,000 families throughout all five boroughs of New York City, across the U.S. and around the world, and approximately 40% of families are international. Its 11-story, 79,000 square-foot House features 95 guestrooms – including six post-transplant suites – four full guest kitchens, laundry facilities, two outdoor terraces, private libraries, a dining room, living room and more. At the House, families are welcomed with love and comfort, and lifelong friendships are formed among people who understand what it’s like to cope with such a devastating diagnosis. RMH-NY’s programs help to provide families a sense of normalcy, including wellness programs, educational tutors, music, art, transportation, activities for siblings, holiday and birthday parties, specialized support groups and more. The organization’s presence extends well beyond the confines of the House, as RMH-NY is also committed to positively impacting communities across the five boroughs. Through partnerships with 16 of the city’s leading hospitals, RMH-NY provides critical services to families with children undergoing cancer treatment at these hospitals. For more information, or to learn how to volunteer or donate, please visit rmh-newyork.org.